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弟子 (dì zǐ) — disciple; follower

Definition

弟子 refers to a disciple who follows a master to learn a tradition (Confucian, martial, religious, etc.). 徒弟 is the more colloquial term for a craft apprentice, while 传人 emphasizes the successor who carries on the skill.

noun
disciplefollower
Measure word · 个
Easily confused

Examples

  • 弟子。
    Zhè wèi lǎo shī yǒu hěn duō dì zǐ.
    This teacher has many disciples.
  • 弟子。
    Tā shì kǒng zǐ de dì zǐ zhī yī.
    He is one of Confucius's disciples.
  • 弟子。
    Zhè xiē dì zǐ měi tiān gēn zhe dà shī xué xí.
    These disciples study with the master every day.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

弟dìyounger brother
子zǐson

弟 (younger brother) and 子 (son) together name a young follower or disciple.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

弟 pictures a spear handle wrapped in a leather strap. The wrapping showed order, and that meaning was extended to a younger brother.

Open 弟 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

子 is drawn as a baby with a large head, arms stretched out, and legs wrapped in a blanket.

Open 子 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9School & Education

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